Five nil away win for depleted combo outfit

Rearcross FC & Clodiagh Rangers Youths trekked to Ballinree for this league encounter with a depleted squad for one reason or another, but still fielded a bare eleven including some U-16 debutants at this level and turned in an outstanding performance to take all three points on a five nil scoreline. A solid defence of Jack Brett in goals with Leo Ryan, Conor Brett, Liam Brett and Oisín Reynolds laid the foundation for this win with some outstanding defensive play from start to finish with the woodwork denying Oisín Reynolds when his 40-yard effort thumped of the post. The combo outfit hit the front through Conor Brett who skipped past three defenders before lifting the ball over the keeper from a wide angle in what was a great finish. Rian Treacy and David Griffin were dominant in midfield throughout while wingers Taylor Light and Cathal Ryan caused their fair share of problems for the hosts. Ballymackey had upped the ante after going behind but the visitors were showing a strong hand and doubled their tally when Rian Treacy netted with a superb finish from the edge of the box. Colm Hickey was denied his first youths’ goal when a fine cross from Taylor Light saw his effort crash against the upright, however the denial was short-lived as Colm Hickey was dragged down in the box moments later before dusting himself down to convert from the spot with aplomb. A young Ballymackey team were also playing a nice brand of football and were unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions with Jack Brett producing the goods between the posts.
Hugh Purcell put the game beyond the home side after getting on the end of a clinical cross from Rian Treacy to head home at the back post. The Slieve Felim outfit wrapped it up when Cathal Ryan waltzed through three players before calmly placing the ball around the keeper to seal an impressive win. Both sides fielded U-16 players on the day which was a positive for both Clubs and Ballymackey will feel unlucky not to have opened their account, but full credit to all involved on producing an entertaining game of football. Man of the match accolade was a throw up between Liam Brett, Colm Hickey and Oisín Reynolds as all players excelled on the day.

Best of luck to James Butler, Max Carroll, Larry Collins and Thurles CBS in the All-Ireland Senior ‘A’ Schools Final against Presentation College Athenry on St Patrick’s Day in Croke Park.

Ballymackey FC Youths: C Hassett, E Ryan, D Hartnett, J Hogan, C Frend, J Kenneally (Capt), J Healy, C Quirke, S Conway, L Hackett, C Ryan
Subs: J Garcia Candau, P Daly, M Hoare, J Fitzpatrick

Rearcross FC & Clodiagh Rangers Youths: Jack Brett, Conor Brett, Liam Brett, Leo Ryan, Oisín Reynolds, Rian Treacy, David Griffin, Taylor Light (Capt), Cathal Ryan, Colm Hickey, Hugh Purcell

Referee: Bobby O’Connor

Report by Paul Carey